The Pruning

“You already knew needlework would be part of an assignment, Miss.”

Sohwa gently reminded her that the task had been outlined in the instructions and urged her to accept reality, but Hwayeong, descending into madness, wasn’t having it.

“But this isn’t just fair! How am I supposed to sew or draw something I’ve never even seen? And I’ve never even held a needle in my life!”

“Didn’t you say just the other day that needlework was better than flower arranging?”

“I didn’t mean that for real! I’m naturally a fickle person, and you know that!”

As Hwayeong snapped, Sohwa sighed, seemingly having expected this kind of a temper tantrum, she set the embroidery frame straight in front of her.

“Well, you have nimble fingers, so once you learn, I think you’ll pick it up quickly. Though it will take some time.”